CLOUD FOREST OBSERVATORY
JAN–SEPTEMBER 2026 | KAʻŪ, HAWAIʻI | ~4,500 FT
MAY 1, 2026 - 9:00 AM | ~4,550 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Earthstar fungi (likely Geastrum spp.; family Geastraceae) documented approximately 2 ft below the soil surface, with multiple developmental stages present. Hygroscopic outer rays had reflexed outward, elevating the central spore sac. Multiple fruiting bodies occurred within a localized cluster beneath saturated forest substrate. Morphology indicated readiness for spore dispersal under continued moisture or raindrop disturbance.
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Reflects active fungal decomposition within saturated subsurface microhabitats. The observed hygroscopic morphology demonstrates moisture-responsive dispersal mechanisms that may enhance spore release under favorable environmental conditions.
AUGUST 9, 2026 - 2:44 PM | ~4,510 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Standing dead koa (Acacia koa) monitored through progressive fungal colonization and decomposition. A naturally established ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) seedling was documented emerging from a stem bifurcation within the decomposing trunk concurrent with koa regeneration. A seed is believed to have been deposited during the Kona low storm and subsequently germinated within organic material retained by the fork.
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Illustrates how standing dead wood may function as a regeneration substrate for native vegetation. The concurrent presence of koa, ʻ ōhiʻa, and fungal communities reflects ecological processes that may contribute to long-term forest succession and structural resilience.
MARCH 30, 2026 - 1:25 PM | ~4,500 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Naturally established koa (Acacia koa) seedling documented within a primary disturbed pathway beneath closed cloud forest canopy. Continued vertical growth continues to be observed following emergence despite persistent low-light conditions. No recent evidence of browse, insect feeding, stem injury, or foliar discoloration was observed at the time of documentation.
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Demonstrates successful koa establishment within compacted disturbance microsites. Continued vertical growth and leaflet movement are consistent with sustained physiological activity beneath dense native cloud forest canopy.
MAY 1, 2026 — 9:00 AM | ~4,600 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Earthstar fungi (likely Geastrum spp.; family Geastraceae) identified approximately 2 ft below the soil surface, with multiple developmental stages present. Hygroscopic outer rays had reflexed outward, elevating the central spore sac above saturated soil layers. Specimens appeared positioned for imminent spore dispersal, potentially triggered by continued moisture input or raindrop impact.
INTERPRETATION
Reflects active fungal decomposition and probable mycorrhizal activity within saturated subsurface microhabitats, with hygroscopic dispersal structures responding dynamically to elevated moisture availability.
MARCH 30, 2026 — 1:25 PM | ~4,500 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Koa (Acacia koa) seedling emerging within a primary disturbed pathway beneath low-light cloud forest canopy conditions. Consistent vertical growth observed following emergence.
INTERPRETATION
Indicates successful koa establishment within compacted pathway soils, with observed phototropic growth and leaflet movement consistent with continued physiological function beneath dense montane cloud forest canopy cover.
MAY 29, 2026 - 5:09 PM | ~4,510 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Standing dead koa (Acacia koa) monitored through fungal colonization and progressive wood decomposition. An ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) seedling was documented emerging from a natural bifurcation within the decomposing parent tree alongside ongoing koa regeneration.
INTERPRETATION
Illustrates how decomposing trees create favorable microhabitats for native species recruitment. The coexistence of koa, ʻōhiʻa, and fungal communities reflects interconnected regeneration processes that support long-term forest resilience.
ECOLOGICAL SPOTLIGHT
SEPTEMBER 2026 | ISOPODS
OBSERVATION
A colony of non-conglobating woodlice, likely Porcellio scaber (Porcellionidae), was documented on a decaying ʻōhiʻa log beneath a mat of Persicaria capitata (pink knotweed) within the conservancy's koa-ʻōhiʻa forest. The tuberculate cuticle and exposed uropods rule out true conglobation, distinguishing it from common rolling pillbugs. Individuals recurred across the site's elevation gradient wherever moisture and decomposing wood coincided, suggesting a stable population rather than an isolated find. Identification rests on field photography; genus-level confidence is high, species-level confirmation pending.
MAY 1, 2026 — 9:00 AM | ~4,600 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Earthstar fungi (likely Geastrum spp.; family Geastraceae) identified approximately 2 ft below the soil surface, with multiple developmental stages present. Hygroscopic outer rays had reflexed outward, elevating the central spore sac above saturated soil layers. Specimens appeared positioned for imminent spore dispersal, potentially triggered by continued moisture input or raindrop impact.
INTERPRETATION
Reflects active fungal decomposition and probable mycorrhizal activity within saturated subsurface microhabitats, with hygroscopic dispersal structures responding dynamically to elevated moisture availability.
MARCH 30, 2026 — 1:25 PM | ~4,500 FT (KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Koa (Acacia koa) seedling emerging within a primary disturbed pathway beneath low-light cloud forest canopy conditions. Consistent vertical growth observed following emergence.
INTERPRETATION
Indicates successful koa establishment within compacted pathway soils, with observed phototropic growth and leaflet movement consistent with continued physiological function beneath dense montane cloud forest canopy cover.
MAY 29, 2026 - 5:09 PM | ~4,510 FT
(KCFC)
OBSERVATION
Standing dead koa (Acacia koa) monitored through fungal colonization and progressive wood decomposition. An ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) seedling was documented emerging from a natural bifurcation within the decomposing parent tree alongside ongoing koa regeneration.
INTERPRETATION
Illustrates how decomposing trees create favorable microhabitats for native species recruitment. The coexistence of koa, ʻōhiʻa, and fungal communities reflects interconnected regeneration processes that support long-term forest resilience.
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MAY 1, 2026 - 9:00 AM | ~4,550 FT
(KCFC)
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Terrestrial isopods rank among the forest floor's principal decomposers. By fragmenting deadwood and leaf litter into smaller particles, they expand the surface area available to fungi and bacteria, measurably accelerating the return of nutrients to the soil (van Gestel, Loureiro & Zidar, 2018). Laboratory work on this same species has shown that isopod activity increases bacterial abundance and reshapes microbial community structure within decomposing litter (Des Marteaux et al., 2020), a quiet mechanical process that keeps a cloud forest's nutrient cycle in motion long after a log has fallen.
Hurricane Lala/Kona Low Relief & Recovery
Hawaiʻi Island is in recovery following Hurricane Lala. As communities assess damage, KCFC encourages everyone to continue using caution and to rely on official sources for emergency and recovery information.
Emergency & Official Updates
Current alerts, road conditions, closures, emergency information, and recovery guidance:
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense
Governor Josh Green's Emergency Proclamation: Lala
Presidential Emergency Declaration: Lala
Governor Josh Green's Emergency Proclamation: Kona Low
Presidential Disaster Declaration: Kona Low
Help for Individuals & Families
For assistance with food, shelter, housing, financial support, cleanup resources, and other community needs:
Aloha United Way: Dial 211
Connect with local health, human services, and disaster recovery resources.
American Red Cross
Emergency shelter, disaster assistance, and recovery support.
"He Wa'a He Moku" - The island is a canoe.
Rely on each other, we all have extra of something.
Land, Farm & Property Recovery
Storm impacts can continue well after the winds and rain have passed. Landowners and stewards are encouraged to continue to use caution.
Before beginning cleanup, document damage when it is safe to do so. Farmers and agricultural landowners should consult the USDA Farm Service Agency and other appropriate agricultural recovery programs for available assistance.
Forest & Watershed Stewardship After the Storm
Severe storms can reshape forest systems in ways that are not immediately visible. Damage may become apparent over the days and weeks that follow.
KCFC encourages landowners and conservation partners to observe first, document carefully, and avoid unnecessary disturbance while conditions stabilize.
Photographs taken from the same locations over time can become valuable records of storm impact and ecological recovery.
Recovery takes time. Please check on kūpuna, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance.
Stay informed. Document what changed. Care for one another.
Recent storms have reinforced the importance of careful observation, long-term planning, and resilient stewardship. KCFC’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan outlines how we will carry these principles forward so that what we learn today may support the land and future stewards for years to come.